You may see that I present more rebells these times. Yes, I am convinced that rebells are an important part of our culture, of our society, of the struggle for freedom. No freedom has been won without in the beginning a person or a group of persons trying to get this singular part of freedom against a majority of persons not willing to give this freedom. Every cultural changment of any society is more or less in a conflict with what is an installed culture. Most of the rebells pay a price, with life, or regarding their privat and professional situation.

We in Europe have some experience with all that, and meanwhile we may have some skills to handle situations – more or less – but we have still work to do. In any way, rebells are part of our life. So, let’s go on with the show. Today with an Italian Judge challenging us for a question important for us all.

But, again, this blog here is NOT the place to discuss this question. You may have strong convictions, here are presented persons having these question. The answer is given in any other discussion forum.

Judge Luigi Tosti – Italy

The History: On August the 15th, 2005 pope Benedict XVI states in his homely : «It is important that God be visible inside public and private houses, that God be present in the public life, with the presence of crucifixes inside public buildings. »

On November 18th, 2005, the judge Luigi Tosti, age 57, is condemned by the Aquila tribunal, about one hundred kilometres from Rome, to 7 months in jail and a 1 year suspension. His crime ? Luigi Tosti refuses to judge in the presence of religious signs inside the courtroom.

On November 19th, 2005, Benedict XVI and Silvio Berlusconi, following « an exchange of opinions over Church-State relations in Italia », confirmed « the common will of both parties to collaborate within the framework of the Lateran Treaty ».

Tosti was also banned from holding public office for a year.

Judge Luigi Tosti had declined for months to hold court in Camerino in central Italy, insisting religious symbols have no place in a court of law. He said Italy’s constitutional provisions on human rights back his argument.

Judge Luigi Tosti said he would appeal.

“I was convicted because I am a minor-league citizen compared to Catholics,” Tosti said. “I could be an atheist or a Buddhist, it doesn’t matter.” Tosti declined to describe his religious beliefs, calling it a private matter.

Courtrooms in traditionally Roman Catholic Italy have crucifixes on the wall behind the judge’s bench. Italian courtrooms also bear the motto “the law is equal for everyone,” written in large letters